MOJEMRECORDSMojem Records was a DIY label. It's sole release was an EP
by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, featuring 'Missing You' and three other
tracks. It had a catalogue number of BECK-857, which indicates that it was
made through Beck Studios of Wellingborough and suggests a release date of
1979. The EP was sold at the band's gigs. Jimmy James (born Michael James,
13 September 1940, Jamaica) is a soul music singer, known for songs like "Come
To Me Softly", "Now Is the Time" and "I'll Go Where the Music Takes Me". Based
in Britain, he has performed as the lead singer of Jimmy James and the Vagabonds
since the mid 1960s. James grew up and began performing in Kingston, Jamaica,
where he recorded as a solo artist with producers Coxsone Dodd, Clancy Eccles,
and Lyndon Pottinger. His most successful release was an early version of "Come
To Me Softly", which found local success and persuaded James to give up a job
with the Inland Revenue for a music career. The Vagabonds were originally formed
in 1960. James teamed up with them under Canadian band manager Roger Smith and
in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. "Ska-Time" (Decca Records) was recorded
as Jamaica's Own Vagabonds within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the
first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK. After meeting
manager Peter Meaden in 1965, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds supported The Who
and Rod Stewart who was with his group The Steampacket at the Marquee Club in
London. The Vagabonds disbanded in 1970, but James, who owned the name, reformed
the band with a new, all white line-up in 1974. They had hits in the UK Singles
Chart with " I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time".
Distributed By Mojem Records. Thanks to Robert Lyons For The
Info.